An introductory level training for epidemiologists and the public health workforce at state, Tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) governmental health departments to familiarize themselves with what is meant by data modernization. In 3 short lessons, this course provides foundational information about why and how the public health system is working to modernize our data systems and the collective impact these infrastructure changes will bring. Learners will build a shared vocabulary of modernization terms as we review the technological advances, data demands, and workforce needs that have driven infrastructure overhauls and enhancements. Practical examples from throughout the public health data ecosystem are discussed throughout the course, with the final lesson featuring a series of case studies and an exploration of how to engage in data modernization efforts.

Course Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

• Define data modernization. 
• Summarize the history of technological needs and advances that led to the current data modernization efforts. 
• Discuss how health departments have begun data modernization work in their jurisdictions. 
• Describe efforts to measure data modernization progress and the inherent challenges. 
• Identify at least three different ways to engage in ongoing data modernization efforts. 

Lesson 1: Foundations of Data Modernization

By the end of the lesson, participants will be able to:

1. Define data modernization. 
2. Explain the meaning of common terms used in data modernization activities. 
3. Summarize how technological surveillance needs are driving modernization work. 
4. Identify major national initiatives and campaigns that have propelled data modernization efforts in the US. 

Lesson 2: The Era of Data Modernization: Expanding Beyond the Original Data Modernization Initiative

By the end of the lesson, participants will be able to:

1. Summarize how the original 5 DMI priorities paved the way for future modernization work. 
2. Explain the critical role of STLTs in carrying out data modernization work. 
3. Describe how the data modernization journey has evolved and the Public Health Data Strategy (PHDS) aims to further advance data modernization. 

Lesson 3: How Health Departments have Engaged and How to Get Involved

By the end of the lesson, participants will be able to:

1. Describe some of the innovative data modernization projects that STLTs have carried out. 
2. Identify at least 3 ways to engage in ongoing data modernization efforts. 

This training course was funded by CDC Cooperative Agreement No: 1 NU38OT000297. The contents of this training are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.

CSTE would like to extend its sincere gratitude to our pilot testers for their invaluable contribution to the development of this course. 

Disclaimer: Some images presented in this content were created or enhanced using artificial intelligence (AI). 

Competencies: 

• 2.3 – Public Health Sciences Skills – Applies public health informatics in using epidemiologic data, information, and knowledge
• 2.4 – Public Health Sciences Skills – Manages information systems to promote effectiveness and security of data collection, processing, and analysis
• 4.1 – Community Partnership Skills – Describes epidemiologic conditions, systems, programs, and policies affecting community health and resilience
• 6.2 – Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills – Engages in change management
• 7.5 – Policy Development and Program Planning Skills – Advocates for policies and public health actions that improve community health and resilience